Belgian runners tried their best to keep up with the world’s strongest cross country runners at the Grand Prix de Liège in Hannut on Sunday, a European Athletics Cross Country Permit Meeting.
In the women’s race Belgium’s Almensch Belete came close to surprising African favourites Birtukan Adamu and Linah Cheruto. It came down to a sprint finish, and it was Adamu who crossed the line by a nose from Cheruto and Belete with Poland’s Dominika Nowakowska in fourth.
Leader of the Lotto Crosscup standings entering the race, Veerle Dejaeghere looked like she could keep up with the pace early on, but Adamu’s final acceleration was fatal to her as she finished in seventh place.
In the men’s race Belgian youngsters Bashir Abdi and Jeroen D’Hoedt battled against one another for the top European spot. In the end it was Abdi who got the last word as he nipped across the finish in fourth place with D’Hoedt fifth.
On this day Kenyan Titus Mbishei was far too strong breaking away from the pack right past the 5 km mark to finish alone, ahead of Ethiopian duo Dame Tasama in second and Burhan Nebebew third.
Over two thousands amateur runners took part in the events that were organised throughout the day in Hannut.